SIDN signs declaration of intent regarding Trusted Network Initiative

Published on: Thursday 16 April 2015

The Trusted Networks Initiative (TNI) exists to provide emergency cover in the event of a large-scale DDoS attack on the Netherlands' vital infrastructure, such as the financial services industry. On Wednesday 15 April, we signed a declaration of intent, stating our support for the initiative and our intention to participate in it.

Victims temporarily isolated from the global internet

The idea behind the initiative is that, in an emergency, a DDoS attack victim can 'escape' by temporarily isolating themselves from the global internet and providing services only to clients of 'trusted networks'. Most of the trusted networks in question are the networks of Dutch ISPs such as XS4ALL. However, TNI is in principle open to non-Dutch participants as well. The Czech Republic has a similar initiative known as Project Fenix, which the Czech national registry participates in.

Internet security and stability

SIDN has signed the TNI declaration of intent because the initiative contributes to further enhancement of the stability of the internet in the Netherlands, which is very important for Dutch internet users and for SIDN, as the national domain name registry. We also believe that the initiative has great relevance for .nl registrars, many of whom also provide hosting services.

In the period ahead, we will work with the other participants to develop TNI further and will involve the Registrars' Association in the project.